“Do you like living in Japan?” — That’s a question I’ve been getting a lot lately. But in some cases, what people really mean is: “Will I like living in Japan?” That’s when I realized I need to be careful with my answer.
There’s another question: “Should I go to Japan?”
My answer to that one is short — yes. At least once, and for at least two weeks.
Question: “Do you like living in Japan?”
I do.
But it didn’t happen by accident. Before moving here, I visited Japan many times. I stayed in places for extended periods, not just vacationing, but trying to understand how people actually live. I imagined what it would be like if I lived here too. No surprise: when I moved it was as I expected — with expected ups and downs 90% of the time.
The “downs” part is key.
When something unexpectedly good happens, it energizes you. But when something unexpectedly bad happens, it drains you. And then there’s only so much energy you can lose before you start to break down. So, the more “downs” you expect in advance, the more stamina you have to deal with the unexpected ones. That’s the core idea.
Interpretation: “Will I like living in Japan?”
You’re the only one who can answer that.
The safest way? Visit as a tourist, but imagine you’re living there. That means staying in one place for 2–4 weeks. Don’t just hop between Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, etc. That’s fun, but not the same as getting a feel for real life.
Test-drive the city you’re actually considering.
Question: “Do you recommend moving to Japan?”
No — if you’ve never been here. Otherwise, you probably wouldn’t ask.
But if you have visited and you’re still asking, then it’s time to weigh what really matters to you: proximity to family or certain things, language, culture, social norms, lifestyle differences, and so on. Then sit with it. Let your gut give you the answer.